NPF News

Kissimmee, FL- Ashley Charters would be the hero on Friday night, hitting a 3 Run home run in the bottom of the 4th inning giving the Pride the lead and leading them to a 3-2 victory over the Akron Racers. Tim Walton sent Cat Osterman to the mound to face Kristina Thorson in game 2 of the final Pride home series of the season.

The Racers would be the first to paint the board, in the first inning Taylor Schlopy singled, and a batter later, Sam Marder would hit a deep home run to right field, giving the Racers a 2-0 lead early.

Osterman would settle in for the Pride, recording the first 8 outs in the game as strikeouts, having nine at the end of the fourth alone.

The Pride would back up the effort of their pitcher in the 4th inning, as Jessica Mendoza would single on a bunt and reach second on a throwing error by Racers pitcher Kristina Thorson. The next Pride batter Charlotte Morgan would reach base on a fielder’s choice, as Racers shortstop tried to get Mendoza out at third but failed. After a strikeout by Kretschman, Ashley Charters would come up to bat and hit a line shot home run to right field, giving the Pride their first lead of the game at 3-2. After a single by Duran, Thorson would get Salling to fly out to left, ending the inning.

Osterman would continue her strikeout succession the 5th, striking out two of the three batters, giving her 11 for the game. It would remain a 3-2 lead in favor of the Pride through 5 innings, as the Pride would be retired in order in the fifth.

The Pride would go on to hold the lead against the Racers, winning 3-2 in regulation.

The Pride pitching would be brilliant in the win, as Osterman claimed her 11th win of the season, improving her record to 11-2 on the season. She would finish the game having given up 2 earned runs on 3 hits, while striking out 15 and walking none. Kristina Thorson would get the loss, dropping her 3rd game of the year, leaving her record at 7-3 for the season. Thorson would finish having given up 3 runs on five hits, striking out 4 while walking none.

The USSSA Pride will continue in their final home games in Florida against the Akron Racers at ESPN Wide World of Sports tomorrow night, Saturday, July 30th at 7:05PM. Come out and support your favorite NPF Team. For more information visit usssapride.com.